Challenges Faced by Cory Booker: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 19, 2026

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Cory Booker's life and career.

Cory Booker is an American politician and lawyer currently serving as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey since 2013. He is the first African-American U.S. Senator from New Jersey. Prior to his Senate career, Booker served as the 38th Mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. He also held a position on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1998: Booker Wins Newark Council Seat

In 1998, Cory Booker won an upset victory for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark and went on a 10-day hunger strike to protest open-air drug dealing.

1998: Booker won a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark

In 1998, Cory Booker won an upset victory for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark, staging a 10-day hunger strike to draw attention to urban development issues.

January 9, 2002: Booker Announces Mayoral Campaign

On January 9, 2002, Cory Booker announced his campaign for mayor of Newark, challenging incumbent Sharpe James, which led to a contentious election.

2002: Booker Lost Mayoral Election to Sharpe James

In 2002, Cory Booker ran for mayor of Newark but lost to the incumbent Sharpe James.

June 2006: Assassination plot foiled

In June 2006, before Cory Booker took office as mayor, investigators foiled a plot by Bloods gang leaders to assassinate him.

June 20, 2006: Court Ruled in Booker's Favor

On June 20, 2006, Superior Court Judge Patricia Costello ruled in Cory Booker's favor in a lawsuit against the James administration concerning cut-rate land deals.

December 2010: Furloughs and Pay Cuts Implemented

From July through December 2010, Cory Booker's administration imposed one-day-a-month furloughs for all non-uniformed employees, as well as 2% pay cuts for managers and directors earning more than $100,000 a year.

2017: Booker testified against Jeff Sessions

In 2017, Cory Booker became the first senator to ever testify against another senator during attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions's confirmation hearing.

2017: Voted against lowering prescription drug prices

In 2017, Cory Booker voted against a proposal to lower prescription drug prices, leading to criticism about his dependence on corporate support.

December 2019: Failed to meet debate polling thresholds

In December 2019, Cory Booker failed to meet the polling thresholds to participate in the sixth Democratic Party presidential debate.

January 13, 2020: Booker Suspended Presidential Campaign

On January 13, 2020, Cory Booker suspended his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

2020: Criticism during presidential bid

During his 2020 presidential bid, Cory Booker faced criticism from the Republican National Committee for being disingenuous and from progressives for fundraising and ties to the business community.

2021: Criticized for recommending Christine O'Hearne for judgeship

In 2021, Cory Booker and Bob Menendez were criticized by The American Prospect for recommending Christine O'Hearne to a federal judgeship, citing her career history of defending employers against discrimination and sexual harassment claims.

April 1, 2025: Booker Delivers Longest Speech in Senate History

From March 31 to April 1, 2025, Cory Booker delivered the longest speech in U.S. Senate history, lasting 25 hours and five minutes, in protest of the second presidency of Donald Trump.